A lot has happened since Donald Trump has become President-Elect. This election has reignited the debate about whether or not the electoral college should be the deciding factor of who becomes President, sparked anti-Trump protests and celebratory KKK marches throughout the country, and continued the analysis of morality. Swastikas have been graffitied and lynching GroupMes have been created.

I can’t say I liked either major party candidate this election season. However, I am disappointed a man who wears his xenophobia and sexism on his sleeve is going to represent and lead the United States. Assuming he manages to remain President for his entire term, Donald Trump is still going to be the President of the United States for at least the next four years. Protests aren’t going to change that. Petitions aren’t going to change that. Social media rants aren’t going to change that. Instead, the American people should do what we should do regardless of who is President: demand the President to do the United States justice.

ESTABLISH A UNIVERSAL HEALTHCARE COVERAGE SYSTEM

Donald Trump is supposedly going to establish a healthcare system that will immediately replace Obamacare. Although this is a bit idealistic to ask a Republican, I challenge Trump to develop a healthcare system that offers universal healthcare coverage. The United States is the only major country that lacks this, and this shouldn’t be the case. It’s worth paying a little more in taxes to receive adequate healthcare when you need it. (Note: Before whining about socialism ensues, be aware that all capitalist countries on Earth are actually a fusion of capitalism and socialism.)

IMMIGRATION

I’ve heard true stories of children chanting, “Build the wall!” and adults telling children that their parents will be deported. Particularly, people of color who are immigrants or at least perceived as immigrants(especially Latino and Middle Eastern) are being targeted.

I cannot properly articulate my views on immigration since they are rather complex, but I do not believe in immigration causing the separation of families. I know someone at Wofford who is an undocumented immigrant and the son of undocumented immigrants. His siblings were born in the United States. Should they be separated? Hell no. Perhaps we should look at why immigrants are willing to come to the United States while undocumented before we kick them out.

MIKE PENCE

The Vice President can often be easily ignored by the American public, which is a mistake. The Vice President can be very influential in politics, and Mike Pence will likely serve as a guide for Trump since he’s the only one who has been in politics before. Donald Trump says he is not going to deny rights to the LGBT community, but Mike Pence’s political career has been based on the denial of rights to the LGBT community.

Mike Pence has supported federal funding for gay conversion therapy(the common claim he supports electric shock therapy to convert one’s sexuality is false, however.) When he was running for Congress, his website had this quote: “We should support the reauthorization of the Ryan White Care Act only after completion of an audit to ensure that federal dollars were no longer being given to organizations that celebrate and encourage the types of behaviors that facilitate the spreading of the HIV virus. Resources should be directed toward those institutions which provide assistance to those seeking to change their sexual behavior.” Over a decade later, the HIV crisis in Indiana came about, which does not indicate a change in beliefs. HIV is not a disease exclusive to people in the LGBT community, so it’s a shame to deny healthcare to so many people only due to personal beliefs.

WOMEN

I don’t know how to explain to him that the way he talks about and talks to women should not be deemed appropriate by anyone since it should be common sense in this day and age. He probably thinks his sexism is justified since so many women voted for him, but it’s not.

A CHALLENGE FOR MELANIA TRUMP

If Michelle Obama’s First Lady duties inspire Melania Trump the way her speeches do, then Melania Trump should definitely not be overlooked as an important part of the country. Her initiative as First Lady is going to be fighting against cyberbullying. Hopefully, Melania’s work to combat cyberbullying will benefit the conduct of Donald Trump.

I am aware Wofford College is a mostly pro-Trump community and that not all of the people necessarily share all of the views of Donald Trump. If you supported such a candidate despite his views, then I highly encourage you to be part of the reason why Trump does not allow xenophobia and sexism to guide his actions as President of the United States.